Examine the historical context, Deuteronomistic composition, and theological purpose of 1–2 Samuel — the transition to monarchy and the theology of divine and
Examine the covenant friendship of Jonathan and David in 1 Samuel — loyalty under pressure, the surrender of dynastic claims, and the pastoral model of hesed
Examine Israelite kingship theology — ancient Near Eastern royal ideology, the covenant constraints on Israelite kings, and the reception in Christian
Examine the messianic promise in 2 Samuel 7 — its exegetical foundations, the eternal throne and prophetic development, and the New Testament's identification
Examine the theological significance of the Philistine conflict in Samuel — the Philistines as theological foil, David's complex relationship with Gath, and
Examine the prayer tradition in Samuel — Hannah's petition, Samuel's intercession, David's thanksgiving and lament, and the pastoral implications for prayer
Explore the connection between the Davidic psalms and the Samuel narrative through superscriptions, Psalm 18 in 2 Samuel 22, and the New Testament's christological reading of David's poetry as messianic texts.
Examine Samuel's convergence of prophetic, judicial, and priestly offices — his call narrative, his intercession, and his reception in Christian theology as a
Examine Saul's tragic failure in 1 Samuel — the unauthorized sacrifice, the Amalek disobedience, and Samuel's verdict that obedience is better than sacrifice.
Examine the Spirit's role in Samuel — the Spirit's coming upon Saul and David, Saul's prophesying, and David's prayer as a preparation for new covenant